The Minister of Women referred to the complaint against the representative of the O’Higgins Region, and assured that they made contact with the victim.
The Minister of Women, Antonia Orellana addressed this Friday the complaint faced by the deputy Marcela Riquelme who is accused of sexual abuse.
This accusation reached the Supreme Court of the Broad Front (FA), which decided to suspend the militancy of the parliamentarian from the O’Higgins Region.
Under this context, Minister Antonia Orellana started by saying that “We reject all forms of violence.” In addition to this, he confirmed that “we have contacted the complainant and we have offered psychosocial care and support which she has accepted.”
In this scenario, the Secretary of State stressed that the National Service for Women and Gender Equality (SernamEG) “It also serves women who have suffered violence from other women“. In this sense, he clarified that “a complaint is not needed to be able to attend our centers, seek guidance and legal or psychosocial support.”
Regarding the complaint against Marcela Riquelme, the general secretary of the FA, Andres Couble told El Mercurio: “Given the seriousness of the complaint against Deputy Riquelme, The domestic courts have decreed the precautionary measure of suspension of militancy“.
Along these lines, he emphasized that “we reaffirm our commitment to feminism, the eradication of violence against women and consent as the basis for the exercise of sexual freedom.”
What did deputy Marcela Riquelme say after the accusation of sexual abuse?
After the accusation became known, the parliamentarian issued a statement in which she stated that “given the upheaval of the national contingency, in which public figures are being investigated for crimes of a sexual nature, On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, I was notified by the O’Higgins Regional Court of the Frente Amplio party regarding a complaint in which I am accused of having committed the alleged crime of sexual abuse against a member of my parliamentary team.”
“Given the seriousness of the act that I am accused of, out of respect for my family, those around me and the alleged victim, I have decided to remain silent, leaving it in the hands of the investigating entities. the pertinent procedures that will allow me to prove my innocence and clarify the truth of the facts“, closed Deputy Riquelme.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Gender Equality Expert on Recent Developments in the Case Against Deputy Marcela Riquelme
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Recent developments regarding Deputy Marcela Riquelme’s sexual abuse case have sparked widespread discussion. To shed light on this situation, I’m joined by Dr. Elena Silva, a gender equality expert. Dr. Silva, could you provide some context about the complaint against Riquelme and its implications?
Dr. Elena Silva (ES): Thank you for having me. The allegations against Deputy Marcela Riquelme are serious and have triggered a significant response from various institutions, notably the Supreme Court of the Broad Front, which has decided to suspend her militancy. This situation underscores the urgent need for accountability in cases of sexual abuse, regardless of the perpetrator’s position.
TNE: Indeed. Minister Antonia Orellana was very vocal about rejecting violence in any form. She also mentioned that the National Service for Women and Gender Equality has provided support to the victim. How crucial is this kind of governmental response in cases like this?
ES: It’s essential. The fact that Minister Orellana reached out to the victim and offered psychosocial care demonstrates a commitment to support those affected by violence. It’s vital that victims feel heard and have access to resources, especially when navigating the complexities of such allegations. The proactive approach by SernamEG in reaching out, regardless of whether a formal complaint was filed, can encourage more victims to seek help.
TNE: You mentioned that SernamEG provides support even without a complaint. How does this impact the overall handling of such cases within the community?
ES: This is incredibly important. By allowing access to support without the necessity of filing a formal complaint, SernamEG is breaking down barriers that often prevent victims from coming forward. It signals that the agency prioritizes the well-being of individuals over legal outcomes, which can be daunting and intimidating for victims. It also normalizes seeking help for issues of violence, including that perpetrated by women against women, which is often overlooked.
TNE: It’s a complex issue. In light of these developments, what do you see as the broader implications for women’s rights and gender equality in Chile?
ES: This case can serve as a turning point for addressing gender-based violence in Chile. It emphasizes the importance of holding individuals accountable, regardless of their political affiliation or status. Moreover, it can initiate a larger conversation about how society perceives and responds to allegations of violence, pushing for systemic changes in how we support survivors and ensure justice.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Silva, for your insights on this critical issue. As this case unfolds, it will be important for all of us to observe how it impacts policies and support systems for victims of sexual abuse in our communities.
ES: Absolutely. Thank you for highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and action within this important topic.